Canadian Epilepsy Alliance Supporting Epilepsy in Canada

Defective Capsules Associated with Reduced Efficacy (Increased Frequency of Seizures) Health Canada has posted the following alert on their website: http://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2016/60340a-eng.php

Vigabatrin, tablets and sachets (powder), is being shipped to distributors as of Monday, August 22. Your pharmacist will be able to provide information about the status of this drug at your pharmacy. If inventory is running low your pharmacist should be able to get an…

-There is a temporary shortage of vigabatrin -The manufacturer has estimated a resupply date of September 1, 2016 -If you need to refill a supply of vigabatrin during the next four weeks, please contact your pharmacist to check the status of the supply -If inventories…

There is a widespread shortage of generic clobazam and Frisium in Canada. The shortage has impacted availability of this medication at community and hospital pharmacies. It is recommended that clobazam be restricted to patients currently on therapy, unless absolutely necessary, to preserve the limited supplies…

There are shortages of clobazam, generic and brand name (Frisium). The situation has worsened during the past month reaching a crisis level. Improvements in the clobazam supply are expected by late June to early July. Apotex Inc., the major supplier of clobazam in Canada, will…

Teva Canada Ltd. will be releasing several batches of generic product, Teva-Divalproex, over the coming weeks. Each resupply will help, and there is more scheduled to be coming behind it. Teva Canada Ltd. has released a detailed statement describing the company’s plan (see attachment). Apotex…

There have been an unprecedented number of drug shortages in Canada in recent years, including multiple shortages of epilepsy medications. Seventy-four percent (17 out of 23) of the drugs used to prevent seizures have been affected by shortages. There is no indication that the situation is improving….

Valproic acid, used to control seizures, is on the World Health Organization’s essential medicines list. A widely used epilepsy drug is in critically short supply across Canada, leaving patients and their family members scrambling for alternatives. The shortage of valproic acid, also known by the brand…

Feb 11, 2016 – The Canadian Epilepsy Alliance/Alliance canadienne de l’épilepsie is calling on drug manufacturers to take real steps to ensure patient safety and reduce shortages of anti-seizure medications, beginning with public disclosure of what is causing the shortages. It is with tremendous concern that members of…